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James (Jimmy) Canady Jan. 14, 1926 ~ Feb. 19, 2013
February 13, 2013, 9:05 am by Staff Reports
James (Jimmy) Canady died peacefully in his sleep Tuesday morning, Feb. 19 at his home in Hico, Texas. He was born Jan. 14, 1926 to Johnny Thelma (Fowler) Canady and Orval Lee Canady in Austin.
He attended school in Austin and was an outstanding athlete both in football and boxing. After boxing successfully in the Golden Gloves, he chose not to go pro, but went on to become an outstanding football player for the University of Texas under the coaching of D. X. Bible and Blair Cherry and successfully captured Cotton Bowl and Sugar Bowl Championships.
Jimmy had the distinction of being the late Bobby Layne’s main receiver. Picked up by the Chicago Bears and later playing with the Redskins he completed a successful professional NFL career. Mr. Canady also coached the only state championship title awarded to the Austin State School for the Deaf.
He retired from the concrete pipe industry in 1988 then went on to get his pilot license and was owner/operator of Lakeside Airways. For many years Mr. Canady was a search and rescue diver for the Travis County Sheriff’s Office holding an advanced N.A.U.I. & P.A.D.I. Instructor status. An avid golfer, Jimmy enjoyed many wonderful hours playing for the NFL Alumni Team raising money exclusively for the Ronald McDonald House.
He is preceded in death by both parents and one sister, Gloria Hope Canady McLarty.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, JoAnn Canady; daughters Linda and grandson Cody Collums; and JoLeigh; son Bruce; nephews Cam and Pat McLarty; and niece Gayle McLartyJackson; multiple grandchildren and grandnieces and nephews.
The family asks that any contributions be made in Mr. Canady’s name to the Former NFL Players Alzheimer’s Research Program at nflplayers.com.
Arrangements made by Harvest Hills Funeral Home, Hico, Texas.
220 South Main St., Burnet, TX 78611 - Phone: (512)756-6136